Postcards from Miami: Day 3 - Terps Looking Through The Window, Not In The Rearview Mirror
12/28/2001 7:00:00 AM | Football
Dec. 28, 2001
Fast Fact of the Day: The last two times Ralph Friedgen coached in Pro Player Stadium (formerly Joe Robbie Stadium) were both in bowls - the Carquest Bowl, when Georgia Tech played there in 1997 and Super Bowl XXIX, when Friedgen was the offensive coordinator with the San Diego Chargers in January of 1995.
By Jason Yellin
Maryland Media Relations
Today was a day of good cheer for the Terps.
Most of the players received an 8:30 a.m. wake up call, but three who were summoned prior to that were senior captains Shaun Hill, Rod Littles and Aaron Thompson. The trio spent the morning along with coach Friedgen at the Baptist Children's Hospital in Coral Gables, Fla., spreading smiles and happiness to young patients at the hospital. Joining the Terps on their tour was Obie, the Orange Bowl mascot.
It was a wonderful day for more than 25 youngsters suffering with an assortment of illnesses ranging from cancer to TMJ to broken bones.
The players and coach went room to room handing out red Maryland Terps hats along with autographs. The players posed for numerous photos and were the stars to many kids and the workers in the hospital.
Several area television stations were out to cover the event. Coach Friedgen told them, "it was nice to meet with the young patients and hopefully we were able to brighten their day a little bit."
Among the more talkative patients were Ryan, a young boy who has undergone cancer treatments. Another youngster Christian was happy to pose for lots of photos with the players.
The Terps know they will have a great following in the Orange Bowl from the Baptist Children's Hospital wearing Terp hats and cheering for the red and white when it comes to Jan. 2.
The captains and coach returned to the hotel around 11:30 a.m. after an hour-and-a-half visit at the hospital.
The team had an open brunch on the main level of the Fontainbleau.
Some of the players spent their free time in the game room where Saga Rally and Killer Instinct were among the most popular games.
Following lunch and a little bit of fun, the Terps held positional meetings at the hotel while coach Friedgen headed off to his first official press conference at the Orange Bowl.
The presser was held at the Radisson Deauville, a few blocks up Collins Ave from the Fontainebleau.
Coach Friedgen opened with a brief statement about the Terps' excitement and energy of being at the Orange Bowl.
Once the questioning begin a funny moment took place as it was pointed out to Friedgen that his name card on the head table at the press conference said, "Ralph Friedgen, Head Coach, University of Florida."
Well of course that isn't right, so prior to Friedgen's entrance, Maryland Director of Athletics Deborah Yow, crossed out "University of Florida" and hand wrote "Mighty Terrapins" in its place.
Once it was down to business, Friedgen addressed the Terps' injury situation, which is as follows:
Bruce Perry is suffering from an abdominal strain.
Later on after practice, Friedgen spoke about Perry's injury again: "Bruce warmed up today, but didn't practice. He's day-to-day. But, we weren't going to practice him today. Right now I am concerned of he's going to play. If he doesn't practice he's not going to play. We will see how it goes, if he can go, he will. He's got an abdominal strain and it hurts when he turns. He's day-to-day."
Todd Wike has a contusion on his foot and it swelled up last night, but he is day-to-day. Wike has been fitted for a boot.
Tony Jackson should be full speed by game time after suffering a sprained ankle.
Lou Lombardo has an infection in his lower leg and has not practiced the last two days, but was on the field for a full workout on Friday.
Friedgen went on to talk about the Terps' stellar season and said the team was "looking through the window and not through the rearview mirror," meaning they are looking ahead right now and focusing on Florida and not looking back on the season. The Terps still have business to take care of.
He also spoke about his long road to becoming a head coach and his Maryland lineage, beginning as a quarterback in the mid-60s to becoming a lineman, then graduate assistant, then an assistant coach in the mid-80s.
Friedgen said one of the most unique sites so far was driving into the hotel and seeing everyone wearing "Fridge Fever" t-shirts in the lobby. He continued on about reviving the Maryland program and working to bring in better recruits, selling tickets and building up donations.
One funny anecdote came when he recalled a women honking at him when he was in his car, Friedgen believed something was wrong, but when he rolled down his window, she said, "You're Fridge," and that was it, she was just excited to see him.
Following the presser it was on to practice at Barry. The temps hit 80 degrees.
The Terps practiced in full pads beginning at 2:45 p.m. It was a spirited workout and very fast paced.
Former Terp Donald Brown was in attendance again as was Angel Guerrea and the last Terp QB to wear No. 14 before Shaun Hill, Florida native Ken Mastrole.
Following practice Friedgen met with the media and addressed Perry's injury situation, which is detailed above.
It was back to the hotel and off to dinner.
